Around the world, X-People (yes... there are X-Women, too) are under attack from an intolerant sapiencentric ruling class. Integration without equality is a farce. Autonomy is denied outright. Human prejudice cannot abide a mutant state. Human fear, born to hate, imposes itself on the life of every mutant.

One man, Magneto, stands up to defend mutant beings—by any means necessary. With the mental power to attract and bend metal to his will, Magneto alone can lead us to liberation. But we can certainly help. Today, we will make an electromagnetic glove, giving us the same mutant power.

Materials

Glove

Enameled wire

Nail or bolt

9 volt battery

9 volt battery clip

Needle and thread

Button or switch

Soldering iron

Solder

Step 1 Wind the Coil

An electromagnet is very simple to make. All that we need to do is apply a current to wire that is wrapped around a metal core. The more windings, the greater the electromagnetic field produced. This is how electric motors work. When the coils inside an electric motor are activated, they repel a magnetic counterpart that tries to move away from the coil. Set that counterpart on a rotating axis and you get rotational motion.

Wrap the wire tightly around the bolt as many times as you can manage.

Be sure to leave extra wire at each end for the battery connection.

Step 2 Solder the Circuit

This circuit is very simple. Solder one end of the coil to one lead from the battery clip. Then solder the switch between the other end of the coil and the other clip lead. The dots below show the parts that will need to be soldered.

To solder enameled wire, first burn off the enamel coating on each end to expose the inner wire.

Twisting the ends of the wires together holds them in place for soldering.

Step 3 Sew the Circuit

To embed the electromagnet in our glove, we will need a needle and thread. Begin by sewing loops around the bolt coil. I positioned my coil just above my palm. It is comfortable and allows me to make a defiant fist when the sapiens are watching.

After anchoring the coil to the glove, work your way around the circuit making sure no exposed metal shorts the whole thing out. Pay special attention to the button and the battery clip wires. These threads will have the most strain, so sewing them twice is a good idea.

Step 4 Human Magnet!

Scatter some paper clips on your table and pass your hand over them while holding down your button. How many did you pick up? The strength of your glove will depend on how many windings you put in your coil and the voltage of the batteries you use. Add another 9 volts to the circuit and see what happens!

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Make your own glove and see how powerful you can become! If you go for it, take pictures and video so you can share on the Mad Science corkboard. If you need help or have questions, you can always post in the forum. I will do my best to make you Magneto!